Kuch Khaas Hai...

Black, white, and silver beads make a striking earring-and-bracelet set.

What You Need:

* Silver seed beads
* Waxed paper
* Large paper clip
* Oven-bake clay, such as Sculpey, in black and pearl white
* Large paper clip
* Glass baking dish
* Large black seed beads
* Wire cutters
* 22-gauge silver wire
* Needle-nose pliers
* Earring wires
* 2--1/2-inch flat silver beads
* Scissors
* Beading elastic


Rolling Clay Ball in Silver Beads

Instructions:

1. To make clay black beads, place silver seed beads on a piece of waxed paper. Shape 10 small balls (slightly larger than a pea) from black clay. Roll each clay ball in beads, allowing the silver beads to stick randomly in clay as shown in Photo A. Gently poke a hole in the center of each bead with an opened paper clip as shown in Photo B; move the clip in a small circular motion to enlarge the opening. Set finished clay beads on baking dish.

Making Opening in Clay Ball



2. To make the white beads, shape 10 balls from white clay. Slightly flatten each bead. Press a black seed bead in the center of each flattened side. Gently poke a hole in each bead's center at the narrow edge; move the paper clip in a small circular motion to enlarge the opening. Set beads on baking dish.

3. Bake the beads in the oven according to the manufacturer's instructions. Let cool.



4. To make the earrings cut two 2-inch-long pieces of silver wire. Using pliers make a tiny loop in one end, placing on the earring wire before closing. Thread a white, flat silver, and black bead on each wire. Thread on three silver seed beads. Clip wire ends, leaving 1/4 inch at each end. Use pliers to shape a spiral at each wire end.

5. To make a bracelet cut a piece of beading elastic 4 inches longer than desired length. Thread clay beads on elastic, alternating the colors. Before knotting the elastic ends, check the fit. Add or remove beads for fit. Knot ends; trim excess.

Redneck Medical Terms ...

Artery......................The study of paintings.
Benign......................What you be after you be eight.
Bacteria....................Back door to cafeteria.
Barium......................What doctors do when patients die.
Cesarean Section............A neighborhood in Rome.
Catscan.....................Searching for Kitty.
Cauterize...................Made eye contact with her.
Colic.......................A sheep dog.
Coma........................A punctuation mark.
D&C.........................Where Washington is.
Dilate......................To live long.
Enema.......................Not a friend.
Fester......................Quicker than someone else.
Fibula......................A small lie.
Genital.....................Non-Jewish person.
G.I.Series..................World Series of military baseball.
Hangnail....................What you hang your coat on.
Impotent....................Distinguished, well known.
Labor Pain..................Getting hurt at work.
Medical Staff...............A Doctor's cane.
Morbid......................A higher offer than I bid.
Nitrates....................Cheaper than day rates.
Node........................I knew it.
Outpatient..................A person who has fainted.
Pap Smear...................A fatherhood test.
Pelvis......................Second cousin to Elvis.
Post Operative..............A letter carrier.
Recovery Room...............Place to do upholstery.
Rectum......................Darn near killed him.
Secretion...................Hiding something
Seizure.....................Roman emperor.
Tablet......................A small table.
Terminal Illness............Getting sick at the airport.
Tumor.......................More than one.
Urine.......................Opposite of you're out
Varicose....................Near by

VERY SHORT, MOST EFFECTIVE AND HOW TRUE...

30 second Speech by Bryan Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola)

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some
five balls in the air. You name them - Work, Family, Health, Friends and
Spirit and you're keeping all of these in the Air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you
drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four Balls - Family, Health, Friends and
Spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they
will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even
shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand
that and strive for it."

WORK EFFICIENTLY DURING OFFICE HOURS AND
LEAVE ON TIME. GIVE THE REQUIRED TIME TO YOUR FAMILY,
FRIENDS & HAVE PROPER REST.

"VALUE HAS A VALUE ONLY IF ITS VALUE IS VALUED"

A despotic sultan who was blind in one eye invited three artists to paint his picture.

“If you do a bad portrait, I will punish you,” he warned, “ but if you do a good one I will reward you. Now start!”

The first artist produced a picture that showed the sultan as he was: blind in one eye.
The sultan had him executed for showing disrespect to his monarch.
The second artist showed him with both eyes intact.
The sultan had him flogged for trying to flatter him.
The third artist drew him in profile, showing only his good eye.
The sultan, pleased, rewarded him with gold and honours.

Celebrate your birthday every day of the year by wearing a becoming birthstone-color bracelet.

What You Need:

* 2--2 mm sterling silver crimp beads
* 1--12-inch piece of .018-inch-diameter stainless-steel beading wire
* 1 medium sterling silver toggle clasp
* Crimping tool
* Wire cutters
* 6--4 mm seamless, smooth sterling silver beads
* 8--6 mm seamless, smooth sterling silver beads
* 10--4 mm sterling silver beaded rondelle spacer beads
* 4--5 mm sterling silver rondelle spacer beads
* 8--6 mm Swarovski square crystal beads in desired color to represent month
* 4--8 mm Swarovski square crystal beads in color above or birthstone color
* To increase or decrease length, add or remove 5 mm sterling silver rondelle spacer beads and 4 mm seamless, smooth sterling silver beads.


Instructions:

1. Thread a crimp bead on one end of beading wire, pass wire through the end of toggle clasp, and run wire back through the crimp bead in the opposite direction. Flatten the crimp bead firmly. Trim the end.

2. Thread the beads in the following order: 3--4 mm smooth silver beads 1--6 mm smooth silver bead 1--4 mm silver rondelle spacer bead 1--6 mm square crystal bead 1--4 mm silver rondelle spacer bead 1--8 mm square crystal bead 1--4 mm silver rondelle spacer bead 1--6 mm square crystal bead 1--6 mm smooth silver bead 1--5 mm silver rondelle spacer bead 1--6 mm smooth silver bead 1--6 mm square crystal bead 1--4 mm silver rondelle spacer bead 1--8 mm square crystal bead 1--4 mm silver rondelle spacer bead 1--6 mm square crystal bead 1--6 mm smooth silver bead 1--5 mm silver rondelle spacer bead Continue pattern until all the beads are used.

3. Thread a crimp bead on the end of the wire and pass it through the remaining clasp. Run wire back through crimp bead in opposite direction. Flatten crimp bead. Trim end

Chunky nuggets aren't just for necklaces and bracelets. When used sparingly, they make striking focal points in earrings. Simple designs work best. Accented with a bit of chain or a single jump ring, these rocks won't weigh you down.

What you'll need:

* Bench block or anvil
* Hammer
* Two 18-millimeter soldered jump rings
* 8 inches 22-gauge half-hard wire
* Round-nose pliers
* Two 17-20-millimeter faceted nugget beads
* Pair of earring wires
* Chain-nose pliers


Instructions for Big Stone Earrings



1. On a bench block or anvil, hammer a soldered jump ring. Flip the jump ring over and hammer the other side.





2. Cut a 4-inch piece of wire. With the largest part of your round-nose pliers, make the first half of a wrapped loop. Attach the jump ring and complete the wraps.






3. String a nugget bead and make a wrapped loop perpendicular to the first loop.






4. Open the loop of an earring wire. Attach the dangle and close the loop. Make a second earring to match the first.

Whichever look you choose, these earrings work up so quickly, you'll want a pair in every color of the rainbow.

Hinged Ear Wires

What You Need:

* 2--3-inch-long, .021-inch-diameter headpins
* 4--3 mm sterling silver saucer spacer beads
* 2--16 x 12 mm 3-sided peach glass beads
* 2--4 mm corrugated sterling silver saucer spacer beads
* 2--10 x 8 mm oval peach glass beads
* Wire cutters
* Needle-nose pliers
* 1 pair of hinged ear wires


Instructions:

1. For each earring thread beads on a headpin in the following order: 1--3 mm sterling silver saucer spacer bead 1--16 x 12 mm three-sided peach glass bead 1--4 mm corrugated saucer spacer bead 1--10 x 8 mm oval peach glass bead 1--3 mm sterling silver saucer spacer bead

2. Clip the end of the headpin to 3/8 inch and bend at a 90-degree angle.

3. Curve the end into a uniform loop using needle-nose pliers; leave a small space open to attach loop to hinged ear wire. Attach loop to wire; close loop.

Choose pewter or glass charms to personalize strings of beads and wear them on your favorite jeans!


What You Need:

* 1--30-inch piece of .019-inch-diameter micro stainless-steel nylon-coated beading wire
* Wire cutters
* 1- or 1 1/2-inch key ring with flexible chain and jump ring
* 6--2 mm crimp beads; crimping tool


For the teal loop:

* 3 pewter charms
* 70--3 mm teal and green glass beads
* 3--6 mm blue glass beads
* 10 vintage teal and green beads, ceramic or wood
* 6--6 mm lime green miracle beads
* 7--tube silver-plated spacer beads
* 3--saucer silver-plated spacer beads
* 2--6 mm round blue-green crystal beads
* 1--16 mm rectangular blue-green glass bead
* 1--10 mm teardrop lime green crystal bead


For the red loop:

* 2 pewter charms
* 1 large heart-shape red glass bead
* 4--3 mm dark gray glass beads
* 6--4 mm red miracle or vintage beads
* 5--8 mm disk-shape red crystal beads
* 13--3 mm dark red glass beads
* 3--3 mm diamond-shape dark red crystal beads
* 6--8 mm diamond-shape dark red beads
* 4--cone-shape red vintage beads
* 1--8 mm round dark red glass bead
* 1--8 mm oblong red vintage bead
* 2--10 to 16 mm oblong red glass or crystal beads
* 8--5 x 3 mm tube Hemalyke (synthetic hematite) beads
* 6--7 x 5 mm rectangular Hemalyke beads
* 3 ornate tube silver-plated spacer beads
* 4 ornate round silver-plated spacer beads


Instructions:

1. Cut three 10-inch pieces of beading wire. Fold one wire in half. Place the fold through the center of the key ring, bring the ends up through the loop, and pull tight.

2. Thread the beads on the wires in the desired order.

3. Thread a crimp bead on one end and pass the wires though a charm or large bead. Thread the wires back through the crimp bead in the opposite direction. Flatten the crimp bead firmly. Trim the ends.

4. Repeat Steps 1-4 for the remaining wires.

Show pride in your children or any loved ones by wearing their names on your wrist.

What You Need:

* Assorted sterling silver beads and spacers
* 28 black hematite beads; wire cutters
* 4 mm square sterling silver letter beads
* 2--2-hole spacers (small metal rods with 2 holes)
* 24 inches of 26-lb. nylon-covered wire
* Wire cutters
* 4--2 mm sterling silver crimp beads
* Claw hook or trigger clasp and ring fastener
* Crimping tool


Instructions:
1. Measure wrist for desired length. The recommended length is 7 or 7 1/2 inches. Lay out beads in pattern before beginning to string. Pattern in bracelet shown alternates silver beads with black hematite beads before the name begins; then a silver bead alternates with a letter bead. Use two-hole spacers before and after letter beads to connect the strands together in a two-strand bracelet.

2. Cut two 12-inch-long pieces of wire.

3. String one wire through a crimp bead, through hole in claw hook, and back through crimp bead, leaving 3/8 inch wire hanging at the end. Position crimp bead close to claw without touching. Squeeze the crimp bead tightly over both wires.

4. String second wire through a crimp bead, through hole in same claw hook, and back through crimp bead following same instructions as in Step 3. Squeeze crimp bead tightly over both wires so there are two wires attached to one fastener.

5. Begin stringing the first string with beads in the planned pattern. Add a two-hole spacer before first letter and after the last letter.

6. Copy the beading pattern on second string. Thread wire through hole in each two-hole spacer where it is hanging. Use an extra bead or two if the number of letters in each name is different so the 2-hole spacer is straight between both strands. Continue placing beads until bracelet is complete.

7. Check that each strand is same length. Add a crimp bead to the first string. Place crimp bead close to fastener without touching it and squeeze tightly. Finish remaining string same way.

8. Cut off extra wire ends close to beads and hide the ends inside the closest bead.

Choose jeweled boy and girl charms to signify the special little ones in your life.


What You Need:

* Assortment of colorful glass beads
* Variety of golden or silver spacer beads
* Boy and/or girl charms
* 1 mm elastic beading cord
* Scissors
* Tape
* Glue, such as E6000


Instructions:

1. For a bracelet, plan a length of beads approximately 7 inches long. Use golden or silver spacer beads between the glass beads, inserting charms where desired.

2. Cut a 12-inch length of elastic. Tape one end down onto work surface. String on the beads. Untape the elastic from the work surface and check the size on wrist. Add or remove beads if necessary to fit wrist.

3. Stretch the elastic and tie a knot. Avoid overstretching or beads may pucker. Tie several more knots until secure and trim off excess elastic.

4. Add a dot of glue to the knot. Let the glue dry.

Combine swirled and layered clay beads to make funky one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Crafts Supplies and Instructions for Color Swirl Beads


What you'll need:

* Polymer clay in desired colors
* Phillips screwdriver, decorative-edge scissors, toothpick, or other items to create texture in clay
* Toothpicks
* Fine beading wire
* Glass baking dish
* Small beads


1. Create multitone beads by twisting clay in two or more colors together. The more the clay is worked, the more blended the colors will become.

2. Shape a bead by rolling a small amount of clay in your hands until the clay becomes soft and smooth.

3. To add interest to a bead, roll small balls of clay and press them onto the bead. Then roll smaller clay balls and press those onto the small balls as dots.

4. Give a bead texture with the end of a Phillips screwdriver, a toothpick, or another tool.

5. To make a twisted bead, roll two different colors of clay into long smooth individual strands. Twist the strands together, then roll them around a toothpick. Remove the toothpick.

6. Use a toothpick to make holes in the bead centers. If needed, move the toothpick around the inside of the holes to enlarge them. Check to make sure the wire will fit through the holes before you bake the beads.

7. Place the beads in a glass baking dish and bake in the oven according to the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Let the beads cool. String the beads onto beading wire. Alternate with purchased beads. Knot the wire ends.

Vintage watches are easy to find in flea markets and antique shops. Make one of these finds truly your own by replacing a worn or broken band with one crafted from an assortment of beads. And while you're at it, buy some extra beads to make a coordinating necklace or earrings.


What You Need:



* Wristwatch
* Scissors
* Ruler
* Stretch Magic bead-and-jewelry cord
* Assorted beads
* 4 crimping beads
* 4 4-millimeter jump rings
* Needle-nose pliers
* 4 6-millimeter jump rings
* 2-inch-long head pins




Instructions:


1. Remove the band from the wristwatch, retaining the spring bars.


2. Cut two 10-inch lengths of elastic cord. Double-knot one end of each length. Thread a 6-1/2-inch length of beads on each cord. The length will vary, depending on wrist size and watch face size. The finished watch should fit like a bracelet. Remove or add beads as needed.

3. When you determine the final beaded length, push the beads away from the knotted end of each cord. Thread one crimping bead, and then one 4-millimeter jump ring on the open cord ends. Loop each cord back through its jump ring, crimping bead, and the closest bead (or two). Using the needle-nose pliers, squeeze the crimping bead to securely hold the cord. Repeat on the opposite ends after cutting away the knots.


4. Attach the beaded cords to the spring bars of the watch from 6-millimeter jump rings and needle-nose pliers.






5. Attach bell-beads directly to the spring bars on the watch. Thread them on the bar while one end of the bar is in place; then snap the other end in place. Attach beads to the spring bars after they are in place, connecting them with 6-millimeter jump rings and needle-nose pliers. Attach additional beads to the spring bars by threading the beads on 2-inch head pins. When the beads are threaded, cut off the excess length of head pin, leaving 3/4 inch at the end of the wire. Bend the wire into a closed loop with needle-nose pliers. Attach the head pins to the spring bars with 6-millimeter jump rings.

Accent store-bought rubber rings with brilliant crafting wire to make jewelry with eclectic flair.



Wild Wire Bracelet

What You Need:

* 18-gauge metallic or plastic-covered wire in blue, red, yellow, green, and purple
* Wire cutters
* Hand drill
* Cup hooks
* Tape
* Needle-nose pliers
* Round pencil
* 5--3/8-inch O rings (available in hardware and home supply stores); round toothpick


Twisting Wire with Hand Drill

Instructions:

1. To make a blue S bead, cut a 12-inch piece of wire; fold it in half. Place the cup hook in the drill as a bit. Place the wire loop over the hook. Tape wire ends to a work surface; crank the drill handle as shown in Photo A. Use pliers to shape ends into coils that form an S.



2. To make a red loop bead, cut a 5-inch length of wire. Wrap the center of the wire around a round pencil three times; remove from pencil. Gently pull loops slightly apart and flatten. Form wire ends into open loops.

3. To make a twisted yellow bead, cut a 12-inch piece of wire. Fold it in half. Place the fold of the wire in the drill; turn to twist. Wrap the center of the wire around a round pencil five times; remove. Gently pull loops apart. Use pliers to tuck wire ends into bead center.

4. To make a green bead, cut a 4-inch length of wire. Wrap around a toothpick to shape.


Wrapping Wire Around Pencil






5. To make a purple spiral bead, cut a 10-inch length of wire. Wrap the wire around a pencil three times as shown in Photo B. Use pliers to shape the ends into loops as in Photo C.

Spiral Bead Ends Shaped by Pliers



6. Cut short pieces of red wire to attach the beads to the O rings. NOTE: For the yellow, green, and purple beads, the red wire is threaded through the bead before the end loops are shaped. To attach the S bead, shape red wire into O shapes. Pinch the wire end loops closed with pliers.

What You Need:

* 9--2.5 mm round sterling silver beads
* 2--Bali sterling silver shells
* Wire cutters
* Needle-nose pliers
* 2--4 mm square orange glass beads
* 2--4 mm diamond-shape orange crystal beads
* 1--6 mm diamond-shape orange crystal bead
* 1--8 mm disk-shape orange crystal bead
* 5 sterling silver headpins
* 1--8-inch fine sterling silver chain
* 1--sterling silver spring ring clasp and jump ring


Instructions:

1. Place beads on two headpins as follows: 1--2.5 mm round sterling silver bead 1 Bali sterling silver shell 1--2.5 mm round sterling silver bead Clip headpin to 3/8 inch and bend at a 90-degree angle. Curve end into a loop using pliers. Leave an open space, attach to bracelet, and close.

2. For next headpin thread beads as follows: 1--2.5 mm round sterling silver bead 1--4 mm square orange glass bead 1--4 mm orange crystal bead 1--2.5 mm round silver bead

3. Fill two more headpins, adding the remaining beads as you wish.

4. Attach the beaded headpins to the bracelet, alternating orange and silver.

5. Attach a clasp to one end of chain and a jump ring to the other.

Apply a fresh coat of nail polish and show off your dainty foot jewelry!

Leather Lacing Ankle Bracelet

What You Need:

* 2 sterling silver crimp beads for leather
* Crimping tool
* 1--12-inch piece of round purple leather lacing
* 1 medium sterling silver spring ring
* 2--3 mm sterling silver crimp beads
* 2--8 mm round sterling silver beads
* 1--8 mm lime green candy cane glass bead
* 1 medium sterling silver split ring


Instructions:

1. Flatten the leather crimp bead firmly on one end of the lacing. Attach the spring ring.

2. Thread 3 mm crimp bead, 8 mm round sterling silver bead, candy cane bead, 8 mm round sterling silver bead, and 3 mm crimp bead. Position candy cane bead in center of lacing. Flatten crimp beads on each side of silver beads.

3. Attach the leather crimp bead on other end; flatten firmly. Attach the split ring to the square part of the flattened crimp bead.


Fully Beaded Ankle Bracelet


What You Need:

* 1--12-inch piece of .019-inch-diameter beading wire
* 1 sterling silver spring ring clasp and jump ring
* 32--4 mm liquid sterling silver tubes
* 72 light purple seed beads
* 8 small peridot stone beads; 1 purple E bead
* Wire cutters
* 2--2 mm sterling silver crimp beads


Instructions:

1. Thread wire through a crimp bead, clasp, and back through bead; flatten crimp bead.

2. String beads in the following repeating order: 1 silver tube 3 seed beads 1 silver tube 3 seed beads 1 silver tube 3 seed beads 1 silver tube 1 peridot stone bead Repeat for half the distance of the bracelet. String 1 peridot bead, 1 E bead, and 1 peridot bead. Repeat the first pattern.

3. Thread a crimp bead on end. Pass wire through jump ring and back through crimp bead in opposite direction; flatten. Trim the excess wire.

This time we bring you a series of bead jwellery.

What You Need:

* This bracelet represents three children; adjust the crystal beads to fit your needs.
* 2--2 mm sterling silver crimp beads
* 1--12-inch piece of .018-inch-diameter stainless-steel beading wire
* 1--medium sterling silver toggle clasp
* Crimping tool
* Wire cutters
* 12--4 mm seamless, smooth sterling silver beads
* 8--5 mm sterling silver beaded rondelle spacer beads
* 8--6 mm seamless, smooth sterling silver beads
* 4--4 mm sterling silver rondelle spacer beads
* 2--6 mm Swarovski square crystal beads in desired color to represent the first child's birth month
* 2--6 mm Swarovski square crystal beads in desired color to represent the second child's birth month
* 2--6 mm Swarovski square crystal beads in desired color to represent the third child's birth month
* 1--8 mm Swarovski square crystal bead in desired color to represent the first child's birth month
* 1--8 mm Swarovski square crystal bead in desired color to represent the second child's birth month
* 1--8 mm Swarovski square crystal bead in desired color to represent the third child's birth month
* Jump ring


Instructions:

1. Thread a crimp bead on one end of beading wire, pass wire through the end of toggle clasp, and run wire back through the crimp bead in the opposite direction. Flatten the crimp bead firmly. Trim the end.

2. Decide on the beading pattern, keeping the number of children to be represented in mind. String the beads on the wire.

3. Thread a crimp bead on the end of the wire and pass it through the jump ring. Run the wire back through the crimp bead in the opposite direction. Flatten the crimp bead firmly. Trim the end.

Make a simple beaded necklace to match any outfit. Start with our basic directions for making a two-strand necklace, then alter them to fit the beads that catch your eye.

What you'll need:

* Beading thread and needle
* Four ball hooks
* Flat-nose jewelry pliers
* Assorted glass seed beads, round beads, and faceted beads in various sizes
* One large pendant-style bead
* Head pin
* Round-nose pliers
* Two small jump rings
* Toggle-style closure




Instructions for Elegant Pink Beaded Necklace

1. Determine the desired length of both strands. Knot the end of the beading thread. Place the ball hook over the knot. Using the flat-nosed pliers, pinch it in one direction. Turn it 90 degrees and pinch again. This will encase the knot in a crimped square.
2. Slide the beads onto the beading thread in the desired order. For interest, alter the sizes and colors of the beads by dividing them into sections. See the photograph for ideas on arranging the beads.
3. When you reach the center, add the pendant. To create the pendant, place a small bead, the pendant bead, and another small bead on the head pin. If necessary, cut the excess length from the head pin. Using the round-nose pliers, make a loop for hanging just above the top bead. String the pendant onto the necklace.
4. String the remaining beads onto the thread so they are symmetrical with the first side. Knot the thread at the end and cover the knot with a ball hook.
5. Create the second smaller strand in the same manner, but place a different color or larger bead in the center of the strand in place of a pendant.
6. Lay out the necklace. On one end, join the two hook ends of the ball rings to a jump ring. Repeat for the other end. Attach the rings to the loops of the toggle clasp.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken
4 tbsp cummin powder
2 tbsp coriander powder
4 tbsp ginger paste
2 tbsp garlic paste
2 tbsp onion paste
5 tbsp soya sauce
2 tbsp thick soya sauce
1 cinnamon stick
4 pcs cloves
2 pcs clove flowers
200 ml coca cola
6 tbsp corn oil
3 cups water
1 tbsp salt


Method:

Clean the chicken and cut into small bite sizes.
pour oil in a wok then fry the cinnamon stick, cloves and cloves flower.
when it pops, put the ginger, garlic, onion paste, fry till aroma rises
Then put the cummin, coriander powder in a slow fire ,fry well.
After 5 minut put the chicken in the wok and mix well.
Pour 3 cups of water,1 tbsp salt and cover it.
Cook till the chicken becomes tender.
Put thin and thick soya sauce cook for 5 min.
Lastly pour the coca cola into the gravy and serve it with plain rice.

Yield: 12-15 servings

Ingredients:

¾ cup butter (170 g)
1+½ cup sugar (330 g)
2 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
¾ cup all-purpose flour (85 g)
½ cup cocoa powder (50 g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt (optional)
3 oz (100 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)


Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 deg F (Gas mark 4 or 180 deg C).
2. Line a 13 x 9 in (33 x 23 cm) cake tin with grease proof or other non-stick paper and grease the tin. Melt the butter.
3. Beat eggs with sugar, and add vanilla, flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt (optional) and melted butter.
4. Add chopped nuts.
5. Bake at 350 degrees until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, approximately 20-30 minutes.
6. Cool the cake. Dust with powdered sugar or glace with your favorite chocolate frosting.


Variations:

1. Instead of all-purpose flour + baking powder you may use self-raising flour.
2. Instead of eggs you may use 3/4 cup med firm drained tofu (suggested by Jennifer, March 2008)
3. Instead of using nuts use a mars bar. Freeze the bar, smash it and the sprinkle it on top before baking (suggested by Thea, August 2008)
4. To make a more cake-like brownie, bake in a square approx. 9x9 in metal pan. Cooks about 5 to 10 minutes longer, but turns out more fluffy, soft, and cake-like (Suggested by Lucy Sinogeikina, September 2008)

Whether it's your birthday or the birthday of some one close to you, it'll always be an occasion that remains the reservoir of happy memories, lots of laughter and wholesome family fun! Birthday is one of those occasions where the strong emotional bonds, warmth of heartfelt best wishes go beyond the barrier of language and sincere and cordial birthday wish always becomes successful in conveying with its true glory.

Other than the usual party, celebrations, good food and sparkling birthday gifts, it is a day when the spotlight shines on friends, relatives, parents and cheerful memories. It is the day when the birthday boy or girl is in his or her most emotionally vulnerable state. Feelings, thoughts previously unspoken, may be in fear of denunciation are expressed on this day as it is the perfect occasion to share feelings and emotions along with best wishes.

When it comes to wishing your loved ones on his or her birthday, originality and uniqueness is the key to make your dear one feel surprised and delighted. It's hard to put in to words what you want to express to the birthday boy or girl on that special day, but once you tell them how wonderful you feel on their birthday, the expression on their face with bright smile and cheerful look makes the day all the more special. To brighten up the birthday of your loved onesyou may be finding the right word to express your heartfelt best wishes can be a difficult task, so why don't you go beyond the barrier of language and wish happy birthday in different languages. It's sure to make your friend, relative or whoever is the birthday boy or girl, feel fascinated and really excited at this unique birthday wish. Even if it is the birthday celebration of a little kid, wishing happy birthday in different languages can be a quite an educating way of wishing someone happy birthday. Kids can learn those languages a little and feel fascinated in exploring more, consequently stirring their learning faculty in an indirect way. Here is a list which will help you to wish "Happy Birthday" in different languages of the world. So next time you are at a birthday party you can share the joy and excitement in different languages. It can be an amusing at the same time a unique learning experience for both of you.

Brazil: Parabéns a você! nesta data querida muitas felicidades e muitos anos de vida.

Chinese-Cantonese: Sun Yat Fai Lok!

Chinese-Mandarin: qu ni sheng er kuai le

Croatian: Sretan Rodendan!

Czech: Vsechno nejlepsi k Tvym narozeninam!!

Danish: Tillykke med fodselsdagen!

Dutch: Hartelijk gefeliciteerd! or Van harte gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag!

Esperanto: Felichan Naskightagon!

Farsi: Tavalodet Mobarak!

Finnish: Hyvaa syntymapaivaa!

French (Canada): Bonne Fete!

French: Joyeux Anniversaire!

German: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

Greek: Eytyxismena Genethlia! or Chronia Pola!

Hawaiian: Hau`oli la hanau!

Hebrew: Yom Huledet Same'ach!

Hungarian: Boldog szuletesnapot! or Isten eltessen!

Italian: Buon Compleanno!

Japanese: Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu!

Russian: S dniom razhdjenia! or Pazdravliayu s dniom razhdjenia!

Spanish: Feliz Cumpleaños!

Swedish: Grattis på födelsedagen

Taiwanese: San leaz quiet lo!

Thai: Suk San Wan Keut!

Ukrainian: Mnohiya lita! or Z dnem narodjennia!

A king sent a message to the ruler of a neighbouring country. The message read: "Send me a blue diamond as large as a pigeon's egg or else..."
The king on getting the message wrote back:
"We don't have such a diamond and if we had..."
The first king got very angry and declared war on his neighbour. The fighting went on for several months till a third king arranged a meeting between the two warring rulers. So they met and the first king said to the other: "What did you mean when you said, 'Send me a blue diamond as large as a pigeon's egg or else...'?"
"Why," he replied, "I meant a blue diamond as large as a pigeon's egg or else... some other diamond. I love diamonds. But what did you mean when you said, 'We don't have such a diamond and if we had-'?"
"It is easy to guess my meaning," said the other man. "What I wanted to say was, if we had such a diamond we would have gladly sent it to you."
The Kings pledged to write more clearly in future communications and embraced and made peace.

One day a beggar knocked at the door of a house, and when a woman opened the door, asked her for alms.
“I’ve nothing to give you,” said the woman. “Please go!”
The woman, who was newly married, lived with her mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law heard her refusing alms to the beggar she was furious.
“Who are you to refuse alms to this man!” she demanded. “I’m the mistress of the house!!”
Thus chastened, the daughter-in-law fled to her room.
“Thank you, kind lady,” said the beggar, ingratiatingly.
“All I asked for was a coin to buy food. I did not know she was not the mistress of the house.”
“She’s not!” snapped the woman. “She had no right to refuse you alms. I’m in charge here, and let me tell you something: you’re not getting a paisa from me!!”
And with that, she slammed the door in the beggar’s face.

Give a splash of color to any room with a felt-covered lampshade trimmed with glistening beads.

What You Need:

* Pencil
* 4-inch adhesive lampshade
* Aqua and pink threads
* Needle
* Aqua glass rocaille E beads
* Pink glass rocaille E beads
* 6 mm round turquoise beads
* Light yellow felt
* Sharp scissors


Instructions

1. Make a pencil mark every 2 inches on the bottom edge of the shade. Using aqua thread, insert the needle through the back of the shade slightly above one of the pencil marks. String on 25 aqua beads and insert needle through the shade slightly above the next mark. Pull the thread so beads snug up to the bottom edge of the shade. Wrap thread under edge of shade and insert needle back through the same hole in the shade to secure. Continue threading aqua beads in this manner around shade.

2. With pencil, mark center points between the two ends of the turquoise loops.

3. Thread needle with pink thread. Insert needle through shade from back slightly above one of the pencil marks. String on 11 pink beads, a large turquoise bead, and 11 more pink beads. Insert needle back through the shade slightly above the next pencil mark and secure as for the aqua beads. Repeat around shade.

4. Using the pattern that came with lampshade, cut a shade cover from the yellow felt. Sew aqua beads onto the shade at regular intervals from the center of the shade down.

5. Remove protective paper from the shade. Press the felt into the adhesive around shade.

6. With the pencil, make marks at 2-inch intervals around the top edge.

7. With aqua thread, poke up from the back of shade near the top at one of the marks. String on 25 aqua beads and sew back through at the next mark. Secure thread and repeat to make the loops around the top of the shade.

8. With pink thread, insert needle from the back between the aqua loops. String on 10 pink beads, 1 turquoise bead, and 10 more pink beads. Insert needle back through the shade next to where the strand started. Secure thread and cut. Repeat between the remaining aqua loops.

Make functional pull chains pretty by camouflaging the chains with an assortment of glass beads.




Light Pull Chains

What You Need:

* 28-gauge wire
* Wire cutters
* Assorted sizes and colors of beads
* Needle-nose pliers
* Crimp beads
* Ball chain



Instructions

1. Cut a 16-inch length of wire.

2. Arrange assorted sizes and colors of beads for a pleasing pattern. String beads on the wire. Wrap one end several times to keep beads from slipping off.

3. Put a crimp on the wire next to the bottom bead. Using pliers, squeeze the crimp flat to secure the beads. Fold excess wire and run back through several beads; then cut the excess off.

4. At other end, put a crimp next to the top bead and squeeze with pliers to secure beads. Cut wire, leaving 1/2 inch. Take the cover off a ball chain and wrap the wire end around the end of the chain. Replace cover. Take the chain joining piece off one end and cut ball chain to desired length. Replace the joining piece.

5. For the variation, bead three 6-inch pieces of wire and repeat Step 4, placing a crimp bead over all three wires.



Three-Strand Ceiling Fan Chain

What You Need:

* 28-gauge wire; wire cutters
* Assorted sizes and colors of beads
* 2--1-inch-long aqua glass beads
* 3 oval orange beads
* Opaque E beads in yellow and orange
* 3 round yellow beads
* Crimp beads; crimping tool
* Ball chain


Instructions:

1. Cut three pieces of wire 16 inches long. Twist the three strands together on one end to hold and prevent beads from sliding off. String six beads of various sizes and colors on all three strands of wire. Separate the wires and string 12 yellow opaque E beads on each of the three wires. String 5 various beads on the three wires together, then separate the wires and string 12 orange opaque E beads on each wire. String 3 assorted beads on the three wires together. Separate wires and string eight yellow opaque beads, and then one oval orange bead on each wire.

2. Put a crimp on each wire and push next to the orange bead. Squeeze the crimp flat to secure the beads. Fold excess wire and run back through several beads. Cut off the excess.

3. At other end, put a crimp next to the top bead and squeeze with pliers to secure beads. Cut wire, leaving 1/2 inch. Take the cover off a ball chain and wrap the wire end around the end of the chain. Replace cover. Take the chain-joining piece off one end and cut ball chain to the desired length. Replace the joining piece

"ANAR" for Health

The pomegranate is a food medicine of great importance. All parts of the tree, the roots, the bark, leaves, flowers, rind and seeds are of medicinal value. We touch upon its various benefits and bring you some easy recipes too.

The pomegranate is good for the heart, the stomach, liver; it is a coolant and alleviates fever. It also increases the body`s resistance against infections.

Healthful Pomegranate Juice

Method

Whisk pomegranate with an electric handmixer.
The juice will get extracted, but seed should stay intact.
Strain and discard seeds.
Now put apple and other ingredients in an electric mixer.
Run till it forms a smooth puree.
Add 450 ml. chilled water.
Run again till mixture is smooth and frothy.
Strain, serve fresh and frothy in tall glasses.

Making time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 glasses
Shelflife: 2-3 hours refrigerated


In Case of Vomitting

Pomegranate juice is of great value in digestive disorders. It is an appetiser and useful for patients suffering from colitis and mucous.

One tablespoon of juice mixed with equal quantity of honey is used to treat excessive secretion of bile, flatulence, colic and morning sickness


Pomegranate Raita

Method

Beat up chilled curd with a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
Add the salt and pepper and stir.Then add the anar and swirl it around in the yogurt.
Place the mint leaves in the center of the bowl for decoration.

Tip: Use glass or crystal bowl as it enhances the look of the raita.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh pomegranate (anaar)
3 cups yogurt/non-fat curds
2 tbsps rock salt ( kalanamak)
fresh mint leaves for garnish
a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or garam masala

For Kidney and bladder stones

A tablespoon of seeds ground into a fine paste can beaten along with horse gram soup to dissolve gravel in the kidney and bladder.


For Teeth and gum disorder

Powder of the dry rind mixed with pepper and common salt can be used as a toothpaste or powder. Regular application strengthens the gum, stops bleeding, prevents pyorrhoea and cleans the teeth.


Do u know u can apply ANAR POWDER for releif from ANAL ITCHING..

Anal itching is caused by unhygienic habits and worm infection. The skin of the fruit should be roasted till it is brittle and then powdered. This powder is mixed with vegetable oil and applied to the affected area.

A gnat, annoyed with a lion, for disturbing its sleep with its roaring, stung the beast on its snout. The lion tried to crush it with its paws but without success. The insect dodged the great cat’s claws and stung it again on its face.
Elated by its victory over the king of beasts, the gnat turned to gloat. Unfortunately, there was a web in its path. It got caught in the web, and was devoured by the spider.
An insignificant foe is sometimes more dangerous than a mighty adversary because we’re not on guard against it.

A rich sweet dish prepared using split Green Gram. This is very popular in North India especially in Rajasthan.

Time Required: 30 Minutes





Ingredients:

1 Cup split Green Gram
1 Cup Milk
¾ Cup Sugar
½ Cup Ghee

2tbsp Nuts (Cashew nuts, Pistachios, Badam/Almonds)


Method – 1:

Heat 1tbsp Ghee in a small pan and fry the nuts until they turn pink. Keep aside. Roast split Green Gram and powder coarsely. In another thick-bottomed pan add Green Gram powder, Milk and Sugar and cook on low flame. Keep stirring continuously. Add 2tbsp Ghee. Cook until the mixture starts leaving the sides and forms a lump. Now, add the nuts and the remaining Ghee and mix well. Remove to a greased plate and serve hot.

Method – 2:

Heat 1tbsp Ghee in a small pan and fry the nuts until they turn pink. Keep aside. Soak Green Gram for 3 hours and grind coarsely. Heat Ghee in a thick-bottomed pan and add the Green Gram paste and fry on low flame until it turns light pink. Keep aside.

In another pan add the Sugar and Milk and cook until the Sugar dissolves. Now add the Green Gram paste and mix well. Cook until the mixture starts leaving the sides. Add the nuts and mix well and serve hot. If required more Ghee can be added.

These four pantry perennials can do a lot more than season your supper. They also perform double duty treating a surprising array of health issues

Cinnamon
This spice has a secret -- it lowers blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Sprinkle a pinch of powdered cinnamon on food three times a day (but no more).

Peppermint

Perhaps the world's most familiar herb, peppermint eases the digestive pain that comes with irritable bowel syndrome. To relieve IBS, choose enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules; a good brand is Pepogest, available at health-food stores. Follow label directions.

Turmeric

This spice, which gives ballpark mustard its yellow color, contains curcumin, a compound that's been researched for its potent anti-inflammatory activity. it relieves arthritis pain and may also help prevent colorectal cancer. Add 1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric to rice, curries, and egg dishes as often as you can.

Ginger

Gingerroot safely eases all types of nausea. Use 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger per cup water; simmer for 10 minutes, strain, and drink. Also try ginger honey tonic from New Chapter, available at health-food stores. Follow label directions.

This is the original black forest cake recipe by master pastry cook and confectioner Josef Keller (1887-1981) from Radolfzell (Lake Constance, Germany). The world renowned gateau was supposedly created in Bad Godesberg, at the former celebrity cafe Agner.

Ingredients:

For a 24-Er-Springform

4 Eggs
100g Sugar
100g Butter
150g Dark Chocolate
3 Tbsp Black Forest Kirsch (Liquor)
50g Flour
50g Potato Flour
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Pinch of Salt
150g Ground Roasted Hazelnuts

Filling

½ litre Cream
1 Pkt. Vanilla Sugar (or Vanilla Essence)
1/8 litre Black Forest Kirsch (Liquor)
750g Red Cherries
50g (-80 g) Grated Chocolate


Method:

Stir eggs and sugar well until smooth. Add the lukewarm runny butter, the melted chocolate (using the double-boiler method, melt chocolate with 2 tbsp of water) and the Kirsch. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and potato flour and sieve. Dry roast the ground hazelnuts in a pan untll they are light brown.

Gently mix flour and hazelnuts into the egg-sugar mix and pour all into the pre-buttered springform. Bake at medium heat (190 °C) for 45 minutes. After the cake base has cooled down, cut it twice horizontally. Whip cream and vanilla sugar (or vanilla essence and sugar to taste).

Soak the cake layers with Kirsch and cover the two bottom ones with 1cm of whipped cream. Spread the drained cherries over it and press them gently into the whipped cream. Assemble the parts to form the cake (including the top part). Cover the whole cake generously with cream and decorate with grated chocolate. If so desired, one can add cream of tartar or dissolved (cooled down) gelatin to the cream to ensure the filling will remain firm over an extended period of time.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken
2 tomatoes puree in a blender
2 onions, chopped
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
15 cashew nuts paste
1 ½ tbsp butter
3 tbsp cream
1 tsp chilli powder
Oil for frying
salt to taste


For the marinade:

1 tbsp tandoori masala
½ tbsp garam masala (cloves, cinnamon and cardamom powdered)
2 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp jeera
5 tbsp yoghurt


Method:

Marinate the chicken in the marinade for 1 whole hour.
Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry the chicken for 10 minutes.
Remove the chicken and keep aside.
In the remaining oil fry add the chopped onions till golden , then add the ginger-garlic paste and fry sprinkling little water now and then, till the oil separates.
Add the cashew paste, chilli powder, tomato paste and cook for 10 mins.
Add the butter and the cream and the chicken.
Mix well and cook till done.
Garnish with coriander.

For Parents -
Beat the stress


Exam and stress go hand-in-hand, and the number of students taking to extreme measures to evade this stress is alarming! However, as a parent, you can help your child strike the right balance.

Parental expectations are on a constant rise. In an urge to fulfill their own dreams, parents often choose to ignore the aptitude of the child, and force them to attain academic excellence, thus leaving them with unreasonable stress.

Exploring other options

According to Varkha Chulani, Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist, Lilavati Hospital - Mumbai, “Distress is a result of faulty attitudes that parents and children have about success. In a highly competitive atmosphere, the need for certain number of marks is inevitable. But what parents need to realise is that unlike what it was earlier, a whole new world of career options has opened up. While earlier the options were limited to a few fields like medicine and law, today there are plenty of options ranging from VJ to a hairstylist, to an RJ - all these are equally fulfilling and successful careers.”

The safety net

According to Sudeshna Chatterjee, Principal, Jamnabai Narsee School, “Parental expectations and their attempt to achieve their dreams through their children is one of the greatest source of tension. It’s important to provide children with a congenial environment that encourages them to speak up frankly. Set the example of a positive attitude yourself. Family must provide the strong assurance of the ‘safety net’, irrespective of any failure or poor performance. There has to be a way to come back home at the end of the day.”

Accept your child

There has to be a way to come back home at the end of the day
Jeevan D’Cunha, Head of Counselling Department, Jamnabai Narsee School and Snehalaya Family Service Centre, advises against comparing children: “Your child is your child - unique and special. Just accept him/her as s/he is and not as some mark churning machine!”

Realistic expectations

One of the most important ways to prepare is having realistic expectations. Parents should know their child’s abilities. Remember if your child consistently secures 70 per cent, then that is a 100 per cent for him/her. Realistic expectations should also extend to study time. Very often it is difficult to concentrate for more than an hour or hour-and-a half without a break.

Stay calm

Children see how their parents react to setbacks and disappointments. If they see the parent getting wound up, unable to cope, exaggerating horrors of a failure, then there is a high likelihood that children also react in a similar fashion.

It is important to make children realise that career is only a part of life, and does not constitute your entire life. When the child sees that you as a parent mean what you say, the likelihood of him/him remaining calm during exams increases.

Take help if need be

Always talk calmly and gently to the child. Do not blame or condemn the child for his/her nervousness. Reassure the child that you are with him/him no matter what. Make the child understand that failing to achieve what s/he has set to achieve is not the end of the world. If there is persistent anxiety which does not ebb in spite of your reassurance, seek professional help.

Jyeshthadevi, goddess of poverty, and Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, once had an argument about who was more beautiful.
As they were arguing, they saw a merchant coming towards them and decided to ask him to settle the matter.
The merchant was filled with awe when they told him who they were, but he turned pale when they told him what they wanted him to do. It was plain to him that Lakshmi was the more beautiful of the two, but how could he tell Jyeshthadevi that? She would be furious and would probably reduce him to poverty.
But he was a clever man and quickly gathering his wits, said: "O Lakshmi, you are more beautiful than any other woman on earth or in heaven when you're entering a house, but you, O Jyeshthadevi, words fail to describe your grace and elegance when you are leaving. There is none to compare with you in beauty then."
It was a judgement that pleased both the contestants because each thought she had been adjudged the winner. But the real winner, of course, was the merchant. He had won the favour of the goddess of plenty without displeasing her powerful rival!!


A Folktale from Andhra Pradesh

This story is adapted from the Jatakas and shows how important it is to evaluate advice before acting on it.

A girl threw a firebrand at a goat that was eating her corn and the goat’s coat caught fire. Maddened with fear, it ran to a haystack and started rubbing against it . The haystack was soon ablaze. The fire spread to the barn and then to the stables in which the royal elephants were housed. Some of the elephants were badly burnt before the fire was finally put out.

The men looking after the elephants could not heal their wounds. So the king sent for his own physician.


On the way to the palace the physician lay down under a tree for a nap. Hardly had he closed his eyes than he felt something warm running down his face. He got up with a start and found that a crow that was sitting on a branch directly above him, had spattered him with its droppings.The physician cursed the crow and wiping his face, continued on his way, but in a foul mood. When he reached the palace and the king asked him for a remedy for the elephants’ wounds he replied: "Rub the wounds with crow's fat, lots of crow’s fat!"

And so began a great slaughter of crows. Thousands were shot and it looked as if the slaughter would continue till all the crows in the kingdom were dead. One day, a crow flew into the palace and settled down in front of the king. Soldiers rushed forward to catch it, but the king waved them back.

"Let it be,’ he said. "Perhaps it has come to tell me something."

"I have," said the bird. "I am the king of crows and I have come to tell you that you are doing us a great wrong. You are being led astray by a man bent on revenge against my brethren."

"You are making a serious accusation," said the king." Have you any proof?"

"I have," said the crow. "The proof lies in the fact that crows have no fat, otherwise you would have got bucketfuls of it from the thousands you have already slaughtered."

The king felt ashamed of what he had done and immediately stopped the slaughter of the birds.